Showing posts with label auto repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auto repair. Show all posts
Monday, January 18, 2010
Cars for Keeps Welcomes a New Crewmember (and gives away some stuff)
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 6:22 PMby Dennis Sweet, Customer Service Manager
The New Year brings some exciting changes to Cars for Keeps.
First, we welcome Steve Stefanits to our Crew. Steve brings twenty years of experience in American and Asian automotive service to our lineup. Steve has developed his skills over the years through conventional training along with factory training in Subaru, General Motors and Chrysler products. We first talked with Steve about joining us in 1993. We are proud and grateful to have him as part of our team. Welcome aboard Steve!
In Honor of Steve's favorite car brand, Cars for Keeps is offering an additional 10% off any Subaru service. Just call and mention you read our blog!
Second, we roll out our newest customer benefit; Seasonal Pit Stops! In racing, a "pit stop" is where quick, minor services are performed to get racers back in action as fast as possible with the best odds of making it the maximum distance before another pit stop is required. The "pits" are a spot just off the race track. Our goal is be there for you, at YOUR convenience to make sure your race continues without car grief.
At Cars for Keeps, we use the term Pit Stop to explain our strategy of making sure your ride is ready for another round of safe, reliable driving with the unique challenges of the next season. Cold, Slick, Hot or Rainy, you'll be ready.So in order to make sure you aren't sacrificing your safety, reliability or budget, we offer our clients the Seasonal Pit Stop.
The Cars for Keeps Pit Stop simply allows us an opportunity to check your vehicles lights, tires, wipers, belts, hoses and fluids. We analyze all the fluids, including the engine oil to make sure they are fully capable of protecting their related systems.
The best part of the Cars for Keeps Pit Stop is that it's absolutely FREE for our clients. All it takes is your participation in pre-scheduling your pit stop, allowing us to contact you via e-mail for your reminder and then coming in at the scheduled time or re-scheduling if the original time does not work out for you. Call us at 616-846-1989 to schedule your free pit stop.
Safe driving!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
5 Tips to Help You Speak "Auto Tech" to Your Car Technicians
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 5:13 AMby Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
Have you ever brought your car into a repair shop only to realize you have no idea what to tell the technicians? Or - perhaps more commonly - to realize that you have no idea what your car technicians are telling you?
Well, first off, we take pride at Cars for Keeps in making sure our customers understand exactly what's wrong with their autos, and how we plan to fix it. Ok, well maybe not EXACTLY (that would be a long, boring visit indeed), but a well-informed car owner is far more capable of keeping their car healthy, which is what we're all about.
If you're anything like me, you might tend to say things to your car technician like, "Um, it's not working. I know something is wrong with the...car. Fix it!" Here are a few ways to prepare for your next visit to the repair shop, impress your technicians and make sure you're getting the best service for your car:
1) Take a moment to write down your car's symptoms and/or performance issues. Sloppy steering? Any rattles, vibrations or unusual smells? Does it have trouble starting? Weird sounds? Does the steering pull? Even if you don't know what these symptoms mean, this information can help your technician more accurately diagnose your car.
2) Bring the paperwork from previous repairs, tire changes, oil changes et cetera with you. Think of these as your car's "medical records" - and who doesn't ask for a diagnosis from the doctor without first giving him or her your medical records?
No surprises here!
3) Use the terms "passenger side" and "driver's side" instead of "right" and "left" when describing what's wrong. This will help clarify what you're describing; it turns out, "left" and "right" are subjective to where you're standing!
4) If there's any jargon, process or problem a technician describes that you don't understand, ask him or her to explain it more thoroughly. We pride ourselves on keeping customers well informed, but we can't answer questions you don't ask!
5) Read over the repair order thoroughly and ask technicians to explain any parts you don't understand. If certain parts are vague or not clear, ask they be rewritten so there are no surprises later on.
Safe driving and healthy cars!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Pardon me, but is that your snake lying on the ground?
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 5:38 AM
by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner
The big black rubber band looking thingy, the black strip of rubber you see lying in the middle of a traffic lane, is not a snake; it's a "serpentine" belt.
Every time you see a broken drive belt lying on the ground at a stop light, you see the evidence that someone’s not going to get where they’re going today without some surprises.
When you see a belt on the ground do you wonder what would happen on your car? Do you wonder if your belt (or belts) are getting ready to do the same thing?
Well… Here are a few facts:
a. No belt is impervious to damage from a foreign object. Modern belts are much tougher though and have a more predictable life span. It’s worth noting that most modern vehicles also utilize protector panels keeping out sticks & stones & worse. If a minimum wage quickie lube guy left one off, would you know?
b. Due to the need for cooling, charging and most critically, power steering, most vehicles can’t run for long without a drive belt. The power steering pump is driven by a belt on the vast majority of vehicles, leaving the steering very stiff if the belt fails. Note that your steering won't fail, but to feel the difference, try turning your steering wheel without the engine running… Other reasons are cooling, as usually the water pump stops turning (all the hot coolant just sits still) and charging, because the alternator is no longer being driven, meaning all of the electricity your vehicle is coming directly from the battery which typically won't last long.
c. The belts are one of the more critical items we inspect during your regular pit stops. We follow clear performance and wear specifications to determine if the belt system has the best chance of reliably performing through till the next seasonal pit stop.
What could you expect if the same were to happen to you? The first thing you would probably notice is the battery or alternator warning light on your instrument panel, steering will suddenly become stiff, requiring significantly more effort to turn and the engine will start to run warmer than normal. While each situation is unique, the old standard of continuing the same direction as much as possible, finding the nearest place to pull off the road safely and then turn you heater up all the way before the temperature gets out of control (in winter to give you some cabin warmth you may need for a few minutes). Keep in mind, when the engine temperature gauge goes into the red, damage is occurring, the longer in red, the more lifespan is consumed. Too long and engine replacement is the only option. Don't hesitate to call for help, if you are unsure who to call, we hope you'll think of us (that card in the glovebox?) we'll be glad to guide you in getting the help you need.
The best thing to keep this from happening to you? Get regular maintenance inspections (not just a quickie lube). Our clients get our Seasonal Pit Stops free!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
It's an issue my dad, a former driver's education teacher, championed years ago during his teaching years. "One of the most dangerous types of people on the road is the person who's distracted by their cell phone behind the wheel," he would say, emphasizing that this rule applies to everyone - teenage drivers to soccer moms. "When I see someone in their minivan completely absorbed in their phone while going down the road, I steer clear of them."
The truth is that most of us are guilty of what safety activist groups and legislative groups have dubbed "DWD", or "Distracted While Driving". Answering and making calls while driving has been a mild concern for several years, but the growing popularity of texting has brought this issue to the forefront - particularly among young drivers.
A government report from 2008 states that 515,000 people were injured and 5,870 people were killed in crashes involving "distracted drivers". Additionally, the report indicated that 16% of all fatal crashes in 2008 involved driver distraction; this percentage involved a high number of young drivers.
What does this mean for us? Well, DWD is no longer just an indicator of the technological divide between the younger driving generation and the older; it's become a matter of public safety, and state legislative groups have been treating it as such. Nineteen states have already banned text messaging while driving, and six states (as well as DC) have banned cell phone use while driving altogether. City council members in Ann Arbor are working on ban on cell phone use during driving, and Michigan's House of Representatives passed a bill late in 2009 which would allow police to ticket text-messaging drivers. Non-governmental organizations are considering non-legislative options, such as integrating Blackberry and PDA software with programming that would prevent their users from receiving or sending texts and calls while on the road.
Regardless of what measures our legislators and PDA software engineers take against DWD, it's an issue all drivers should become more aware of - both for ourselves and for instructing younger drivers.
What do you think about this issue? Should texting while driving be banned, all cell phone use while driving, or neither? Now is the time to contact your state legislatures if you'd like to have a say in this issue. Follow this link to learn more about Ann Arbor's City Council in their fight against DWD, or read what Nationwide Insurance has to say about the issue.
This video compares the effects of driving over the legal alcohol limit to DWD with some surprising conclusions.
Tell us what you think!
Friday, December 18, 2009
A Women’s Point of View: Yesterday’s Hero, Tomorrow’s Friend
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 5:30 PMby Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager About ten years ago, our service manager Dennis Sweet happened to be in the right place at the right time. He was in a parking lot when the battery blew up in one of the parked cars. There were a lady and a dog sitting in the car, very much in distress. She could not open the locked doors because there was no power to unlock them. Battery acid fumes were seeping into the car's interior. The occupants were in extreme danger. Dennis broke out the back window of the car and got both the lady and the dog out safely. In a matter of minutes, the car caught on fire. Fast forward ten years. This same lady came into Cars For Keeps a few days ago. She was looking for a new repair facility to keep her car maintained properly and she heard some very good things about Cars For Keeps. She and Dennis recognized each other and had a happy reunion. She has made Cars For Keeps her new car maintenance facility “for keeps”. Doing good when the opportunity comes around is like a ripple. It is never forgotten and it keeps circling, coming back to a person in surprising ways. In this case, we welcomed a new customer and also acquired a new friend. I have worked at Cars For Keeps now for four years and have watched these guys consistently go out of their way to help people. Call it “Christmas nostalgia” but from a women’s point of view, this is a good thing.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wiper Blades: Going Unnoticed Until It's Too Late!
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 5:40 AMby Robert, Cars for Keeps Technician
When it comes to driving, there are few things more important than visibility, and dull, cracked or bent wiper blades can mean the difference between a clear view and no view. With the snow season upon us wipers can really be abused. However, with proper care and maintenance your wipers can last several years. I’m here to show you how to do just that.
First things first: always turn your wipers off when you turn your car off. Not only does this help cold weather starting, but if they do freeze to the windshield overnight it can prevent many issues. For example, when the wiper blade motor is trying to work and the blades are stuck you can create extreme stress on the motor. Many have plastic gears inside that can easily strip out. Also many wiper arms are made out of soft aluminum. If the blades don’t move and the motor does you can run the risk of ruining both wiper arms, with costly repairs.
Secondly, when scraping your windshield you will want to lift your wipers off the windshield (carefully). If they do not come off right away continue scraping until the defrost kicks in more. Tearing them off when they are frozen runs the risk of tearing the blade from the frame and basically ruining your blade. Some customers have told me that they are using an anti-ice spray to melt away the ice formations. This is also a good way to help speed the process up (ITS COLD!). NEVER, ever, ever use hot water, coffee, tea, etc. on your windshield, you run the risk of cracking it beyond repair. So for those of you who like to take shortcuts in the morning, resist the temptation to use your hot coffee as a defroster!
Thirdly, clean your blades often. Rubbing alcohol on the blade surfaces applied with a cotton cloth or tissue works wonders. This eliminates any grime that may have built up. Also eliminating the ice will help improve visibility. With these easy steps you can have wiper blades that will last for seasons to come. In fact, my wife is on her fourth season on her blades, which we bought the first week we got the car. Oh and don’t forget about the washer fluid! BTW if your low stop by cars for keeps and we will top it off for you (free)! Until next time!
Thanks for the reminder and the great tips, Robert. I myself have not been taking care of my wiper blades this winter, and as a result I got stuck on the freeway with only a tiny patch on my windshield to see through. Drive safe!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Washing Away the Salt: A Michigan Winter Car Maintenance Essential
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 5:23 AMby Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
We've covered just about every aspect of effectively preparing your vehicle into reliable winter-weather transportation. But now that winter is here, what can we do to make sure our vehicles stay reliable and healthy?
For car owners, Michigan winter roads are not only infamous for black ice and snow drifts; they're also infamous for that special anti-ice additive: salt. It's the main reason that car owners living in "the car manufacturing state" have one of the poorest returns on their vehicles in the nation. The natural process of oxidation that happens over time to the steel components of your car are rapidly accelerated by salt, turning our beautiful, locally-manufactured vehicles into virtual rust buckets overnight.
You can read more about exactly why salt + the underside of your car = rust that would make Red Green proud, but understanding why this happens doesn't help us maintain healthy, rust-free cars. There's really only one solution to the problem of winter salt: go to the car wash frequently. Some of your car's most vulnerable metal parts and components are underneath your car, completely exposed to the road's salt spray, so be sure to include undercarriage washes each time you visit the car wash this winter.
Interior salt can erode from the inside as well - in addition to making car interiors dirty. Here's a brief YouTube clip with some tips on getting out those winter salt stains (I'll give you a hint: it involves vinegar, water and elbow grease!).
That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by, and safe driving!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office ManagerWe finally had our first snowfall. How do you all feel about that? I will remain (yuck) neutral (ugh) about the subject. Anyway, one of the special things we all get to think about in the winter is, “How are the tires on my car?”
Now if you spent last summer “sandblasting” on the beach and did not get stuck, sunk or shucked*, you are probably okay for the snow this winter. However, most of us in the real world consider carefully our high expectations of safety and comfort and dependability for our cars in dangerous driving conditions. Tires. There are three facts that we can’t escape. Every car has to have them. They are not cheap. And, very few of us know which ones to get for our car. At Cars For Keeps you can be sure of three things.
Every car has to have tires. Dennis, our service manager, will get the best price that he can find for you. Yes, he price shops. And, he is knowledgeable about which tires are best for your car. Your safety is our main concern. Have you ever wondered why tires are always black?
Let us look at this area of concern for women by comparing tires to shoes. Are they always dressed for dinner? Black is beautiful, but sometimes you just need pink. Wouldn’t red and white strips be eye-catching? Or perhaps purple polka dots on a yellow background? Or…............. Neon!
*Shucked is the term used when you get your car stuck up to it’s (ummm)……trunk, and the tires are spinning out of control, and you had to crawl out the window because the door won’t open and it is sinking like a stone in quicksand and you are standing beside the car saying, “Aw, Shucks”.
Thanks, Colette. I enjoyed my 30 mile commute in the blizzard belt as well. It wasn't as much "fun" (no white knuckles) because I had snow tires. Stay warm, everybody!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
by Colette Cooley Cars For Keeps Office Manager
I work with car parts every day. All these funny-shaped pieces made of metal, plastic, rubber, glass and even material. For a non-mechanic, there is something magical about a tiny piece of plastic or a thin bit of wire that can mean the difference between a great big automobile that runs and one that does not run. Take a gasket for example. How can this thin piece of what looks like paper, be so essential to your car? Yes, I know, it keeps oil from leaking out so you won’t have a geyser under the hood, but wouldn’t Gorilla Glue work just as well? And what is it with all that wiring? We are talking a mile or more of wiring running throughout your car. It’s like a Gordian Knot*.
It seems to me that since we are well into the 21st Century, cars ought to be wireless. Everything else is wireless. We have the technology to make a wireless mouse. Need I say more? Until these little inconveniences are overcome, we have knowledgeable mechanics at Cars For Keeps who will help you keep your car in good running condition.
*Greek legend is of a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia which could only be undone by the future master of Asia. Alexander the Great, failing to untie it, cuts the knot with his sword. A bold solution for a perplexing problem.
Nice reference, Colette!
Monday, December 7, 2009
by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner
Over the years of keeping up with automotive repair and maintenance advances, we have strived to help our clients stay up to date with their vehicles needs.
Many of our clients now choose to pre-set their next oil change or maintenance just like they do with dentist appointments. But what should we do if their individual driving habits call for less frequent oil changes? Many of our clients could go a year without needing to have their oil changed; a few of them roll up three thousand miles in just two or three weeks.
Engine oil was only capable of lasting three to four thousand miles up until 30 years ago. Improvements in oil formulas, oil filter and engine designs now allow most drivers to exceed five thousand miles easily today.
We recommend oil change intervals depending on your individual driving habits.
In racing, a “pit stop” is where quick, minor services are performed to get racers back in action as fast as possible with the best odds of making it the maximum distance before another pit stop is required. The “pits” are a spot just off the race track. (we’re not referring to a hole or dungeon here).
At Cars for Keeps, we use the term Pit Stop to explain our strategy of making sure your ride is ready for another round of safe, reliable driving with the unique challenges of the next season.
So in order to make sure you aren’t sacrificing your safety, reliability or budget, we offer our clients the Seasonal Pit Stop.
The Cars for Keeps Pit Stop simply allows us an opportunity to check your vehicles lights, tires, wipers, belts, hoses and fluids. We analyze all the fluids, including the engine oil to make sure they are fully capable of protecting their related systems.
The best part of the Cars for Keeps Pit Stop is that it’s absolutely FREE for our clients. All it takes is your participation in pre-scheduling your pit stop, allowing us to contact you via e-mail for your reminder and then coming in at the scheduled time or re-scheduling if the original time does not work out for you. Call us at 616-846-1989 to schedule your free pit stop.
Now with the Cars for Keeps Seasonal Pit Stop, there is no excuse for risking damage to your vehicle by not catching potential repairs needed, or simply making sure you are getting maximum life from your tires.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Kitchen Maintenance: Perfect Stuffing Recipe
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 3:41 PMby Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
In lieu of today being Thanksgiving Eve, I thought we'd take a break from car-talk and dispense a little relevant kitchen advice for a change. Cooking and baking are hobbies of mine, and in my spare time I run a foodie/recipe blog over at Caramel Onion (www.caramelonionblog.com). Today I'll give you my traditional Thanksgiving turkey stuffing recipe - for those of you adventurous enough to stuff your own bird. If you don't feel up to stuffing your turkey, or if you are cooking a ham or vegetarian dish in place of fowl, this recipe can easily be cooked in a crock pot as well.
Makes stuffing for 1 20-25lb turkey, or one large crock pot.
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized loaves of bread, cubed and dried
(It's best if you use several different types of bread, preferably artisan. My favorite combination is crusty sour dough, chewy multigrain and honey whole wheat. The bread needs to be completely dry; if you're short on time, place cubed bread in a broad pan and dry in the oven at 150 degrees.)
3 cups chicken (or veggie) broth
1 Tblsp. salt
3 tsp. black pepper
1 head garlic, roasted or diced
1/4 cup sage, finely chopped
1/4 cup rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup thyme, finely chopped
2 cups portabello or baby bella mushrooms, fresh and sliced
1 package fresh cranberries (optional)
Giblets, finely chopped (optional)
Warm broth and dissolve black pepper and salt. Meanwhile, mix garlic, herbs, mushrooms, giblets and cranberries together, then toss in with dried bread crumbs in a large bow. Pour broth over all ingredients slowly, until bread is moist but NOT wet. Stuff the mixture into turkey (be careful not to pack too tightly) or place in a small turkey bag and cook in a crock pot on high 4 hours.
Don't forget about our 15% discount for customers who post positive reviews on our Merchant Circle listingor Superpages listing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager
Thanksgiving is over and most of us are out shopping today. Hello Christmas! We are gearing up to think Silver Bells, Caroling and Presents Under the Tree. And, More Cooking! (Oh, Joy!) Take a deep breath. You actually have some time to pamper yourself a little bit. You deserve it. Get your nails done. Change your hair color. Get a facelift. You should be getting flowers and applause for yesterday’s extravaganza. If that has not happened, at least grab an hour soaking in the tub, surrounded by candles, a little aroma therapy and a strong Martini. AAAHHHHH! Life is good.
Your Christmas gift list is floating through your head and coming together quite nicely. Is everyone accounted for? Hmmmm. What about your car? (I’ll bet you were wondering how I was going to get your car into this blog, didn’t you?) Are you going to be taking another trip for Christmas? It will probably need an oil change and brake inspection before the trip. How about snow tires? Are they good for another winter or do they look “iffy”? Are all the lights working properly? Are there any noises that should be investigated? Are all the windows and doors working properly? Even if you are staying close to home for Christmas, you will be making more than average trips to the Mall and possibly out-of-the-way trips to ‘Marvin’s Machine Mega-Mercantile’ to get that special hinky-dink tool that hubby has been wanting all year, or to ‘Auntie Aroma’s All-Together Apothecary Annex’ for that extremely expensive bottle of perfume for your precious teenager who will “just die” if she doesn’t smell like all the rest of her friends. So. Here is a hint that will make your life just a little less complicated. Call Cars For Keeps now to make that appointment for you and your car’s health and welfare. That way you won’t panic three days before Christmas because you forgot. You deserve peace on earth.
Monday, November 23, 2009
by Robert, Cars for Keeps Mechanic
Want to save some money by getting better gas mileage? Sounds great right? What about being able to do it all for free?
There are many things you can do to increase your fuel economy, with little or not out-of-pocket expense. It's true that tune-ups and routine maintenance are great for your vehicle. They insure that your "machine" is properly oiled and functioning to its originally designed specifications. However, as you know, spark plugs and oil changes are NOT free. So what else can you do?
1. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving, (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. That means saving up to 13-18 cents per gallon!
2. Observe the posted speed limits. While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. That equals 19-61 cents per gallon, enough to reconsider speeding.
3. Remove excess weight. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones. So before leaving the house again, think: do you really need those dusty encyclopedias sitting in the trunk? This could add 3-5 cents per gallon.
4. Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon, period. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than cars with smaller engines. Turn the engine off if you will be waiting for more than 60 seconds, whether you're waiting for a friend, at a drive-thru bank or fast food restaurant. Idling your car for an average of 20 minutes per day could equal up to 50 hours of idling each year.
5. Use cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.
6. Use overdrive gears. When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
7. Maintain proper tire pressure by checking them at least once a month. Tires that are low on air create more rolling resistance which in turn decreases fuel economy.
8. Tune-ups, oil changes, fluid flushes. Ok these are not free but you can improve fuel economy 5-30% by having your car properly tuned. Stop by Cars for Keeps and see what it will take to ensure an efficient automobile!
Until next time!
Friday, November 20, 2009
by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager
AAAHH! The Holidays are approaching faster than the speed of light. While half of us are eagerly looking forward to next Wednesday night’s activities of baking pies, peeling 20 pounds of potatoes, and cleaning the house for the 27 people who will be arriving the next day, the other half of us are happily packing our overnight bags to be thrown into the car for that long, relaxing trip to Cousin Clem’s house and all that food.
The Car! OhMyGod! You suddenly remember that you have been postponing that visit to Cars For Keeps to find out what that squeal is about in the back of the car. Your thinking, are the brakes going out? Is the axle about to fall off the car? Is there a rabid raccoon caught in the driveshaft? And now that you are thinking about it, what is that click-click-clicking under the hood? Some squirrel’s nut stash? All the nuts and bolts are loose? Is the engine about to fall off? Suddenly, you are in ‘high anxiety’ mode.
It's O. K. Give Cars For Keeps a quick call to set a last-minute appointment. Have an oil change, an inspection for those pesky noises, a cup of coffee, a few laughs, and a little relaxation while the experts take care of everything for you. There is something empowering in knowing that your car is in good working condition. Just don't forget to fill that gas tank.
Have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving Day.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
by Dennis Sweet, Service Manager at Cars for Keeps
Hello everyone, If you have called or stopped into our shop, you have probably spoken with me. We may have even talked about maintenance. I have always felt that if I can help a client better understand the needs of their vehicle, they will better understand why we recommend it being performed.
I bring up this topic today, not only because it is important, but because I also had this exact conversation with one of our clients today. The topic was transmission fluid and why we had recommended the vehicles to be flushed out and replaced with new. Our client had responded, "but my owners manual states that my vehicle has 'Lifetime Transmission Fluid'". My response to this is, “Who’s lifetime, yours or your vehicles transmission?????" Transmission fluid, just as any other fluid a vehicle uses will wear out, get dirty, break down and even burn.
With this in mind, how long of a lifetime will the transmission have if it is trying to pump contaminated, broken down fluid through its system - or, to put in other terms, veins? I will let you think about for now, but will leave you with our perspective: it is in our best interest to think of your best interest. Our goal is to help you keep your vehicle in the best running condition it can be for as long as you want to own that vehicle. “No payments, just Maintenance.”
So long for now, Dennis
Monday, November 16, 2009
by Robert, Cars for Keeps MechanicWinter time is coming sooner than you may think. That means salty slushy roads, ice on the windshield and brrrrrr…freezing temps. What can you do to ensure a safe and reliable vehicle during these harsh wintry months?
Have your vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic. Quick lube places do not count. Although they are able to check basic things like your fluids and battery, they are not able to check more important things such as your suspension components and reliability items. Also, those techs are NOT required to be state or ASE certified to work on vehicles. So you may not get an adequately qualified tech working on your vehicle.
Maintain your tires. The tires are the ONLY thing between you and the road. Are your tires worn to the wear bars? Not only is it unsafe for you but could also be unsafe for other drivers on the road. Maintaining air pressure also ensures that your tires are working as they were designed. Speaking of tires, do you have a set of dedicated winter tires? If not you should consider it. The difference between an all-season year round tire and a tire used only for the snowy season is like night and day. For those of you who may not have the extra funds to do this, you may want to consider saving extra cash so in the future this becomes available to you.
Carry emergency items in your trunk. A flashlight (with working batteries please), blanket, fresh water, snacks, a cell phone, road hazard beacons such as flares or the reflective triangles and also make sure your factory equipped spare tire and jack are in place. Kitty litter not only provides extra weight but can also help provide traction if your ever stuck in a snow bank. If you have a small snow shovel that will also help dig your way out of a sticky situation.
Hopefully this season will be safe and accident free, but with a little planning you can make sure that if it does turn sour you are prepared. Like a wise man once told me in boy scouts once: it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Until next time!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cars for Keeps' Waiting Room: a Spa Parlor or a Repair Shop?
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 9:26 AM
by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
The waiting room here at the shop is not your average auto garage waiting room. Most repair shops disregard this aspect of business - after all, what does a cleanly waiting room have to do with fixing your car? Many repair shops I've been don't even have a waiting area - just a little grungy corner for you to stand clutching your wallet while you wait.
Cars for Keeps Owner Rob Hopp has a different philosophy on auto repair service, emphasizing the service aspect and recognizing that the car and the customer are a package deal. Sure, the quality of the repair is most important, but where is it written that quality repairs have to come from cramped, dirty facilities?
Cars for Keeps goes out of its way to provide not only the best repair service in town, but the best customer service as well. That means a comfortable waiting area for moms, kids, professionals and anyone else who drops by. I happened to drop by the shop last week and was again impressed with the reception area's cleanliness and commodities. Here are a few pictures I snapped of some of the facility's highlights. You can tell Rob takes pride in his shop - and his customers.
Coffee, tea or...Pepsi? The only things here that require change are the two gumball machines in the corner - which we think parents won't mind at all.
Yes, you're looking at a flat screen TV, comfy chairs and a squeaky clean floor. Catch up on the news, or a snooze while waiting for an oil change - your preference.
Kid's play area is conveniently adjacent to the adult play area. To clarify, those magazines are current within the last few months, not culled from decade old boxes.
The high speed internet-equipped computer is over in the corner to the left. Brought your own? Take advantage of the facility's free Wi-Fi.
Here's the crew crunching numbers behind the desk. This is where you can find Customer Service Manager Dennis' smiling face.
If you've been putting off routine maintenance because going to the shop is too inconvenient, try Cars for Keeps' accommodating facility. Catch up on work, play with your kids, surf the net or get caffeinated; we promise you won't have to stand in a corner while you wait.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Diesel Engines: 3 Tips for A Smooth Running Winter
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 8:53 AM
by Brad, Cars for Keeps MechanicBrad is a new employee here in the shop, and with a degree from UTI Automotive School in Chicago, he's been a wonderful resource for the shop. We're happy to welcome him to the team!From new Volkswagens to older Mercedes to many of you truck owners out there, diesel is becoming more and more popular. With that in mind, I thought you should know some tips for keeping your diesel engines running smooth through the winter.
First: Park your diesel inside if you can. Even if you do park them outside, most diesels have a block heater that will help if you plug them in. If you don’t have a block heater and can't park inside, it may be worth your time to invest in an electric blanket for those cold nights. The reason for keeping them warm is that unlike gasoline, they run off of heat. The fuel is compressed until it ignites off of the heat. So keeping the motor warm will allow for quicker cold starts. This is not only a convenience, but it will also help the engine last longer.
Second: Once you get the engine started, you will want to let it run for a few minutes before driving. The motor needs time to warm up before it can run efficiently. If you start and drive away immediately, you will get worse fuel mileage because some of the fuel will not burn. You will also see a loss in power.
Third: Have your battery tested. A weak or low battery will give you problems. Battery power changes with the temperature, so the colder it is the weaker the battery is in any situation. With lowered temperatures, the oil in any engine thickens, so it takes more power from the battery to start. If you consider these factors and add in the fact that cranking on a diesel is already strenuous on the battery, you find that diesel engines are more prone to battery failure in winter - so be sure to start the winter out on a full battery.
I hope these tips help you have a worry free winter with your diesel!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Snow Tire FAQs: Michigan Winter Driving Essentials
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 7:13 AM
by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager
If you've lived in Michigan your entire life, like me, you understand how easy it is to become helpless to the winter elements. If you're new to the area, then you're in for a treat; Michigan's legendary lake effect snow is beautiful, unpredictable and an absolute horror for unprepared winter travelers. While there's not much we can do about keeping our cars from being buried in snow drifts or coated in ice every morning, we can do something about making sure our cars remain on the road - once we've managed to get there.
Here are a few basic facts you should know about snow tires. Check out the YouTube video at the end of this post if you don't believe tread really makes a difference. Which car will you be?
Aren't all-weather tires good enough for winter?
No. Again, I refer you to the video in this post for proof. All-weather tires are designed for dry and wet conditions in warm weather, but they're in no way prepared to give tread on black ice, packed snow and sandy slush. Snow tires are specially made with softer rubber and carefully placed grooves which quickly wear down on dry pavement - which is why you should never leave your snow tires on past spring...unless you like buying new snow tires every year.
When should I put on my snow tires?
Well, how brave are you? If you're a daredevil like me, you may intentionally wait until after the first snowfall just to test your ice-racing skills. For the rest of you, who value your and your family's safety above thrill, it's best to have snow tires put on before the first snowfall, which, in Michigan, could be anytime between October 15th and December 30th. Typically, having snow tires put on a few weeks before Thanksgiving is plenty early enough, and it ensures safe holiday travel.
Should I get studded tires?
This question is best directed to your tire dealer or auto repair shop (I'm sure Dennis has a strong opinion), but there aren't very many situations where studded tires help you more than regular snow tires - in some environments, studded tires can actually give you less traction. Studs are only good for packed snow and ice, and they will hinder traction in thick snow, slush and dry pavement. So unless you're commuting across the tundra in Alaska, sticking to unstudded snow tires is a safe bet.
Should I get two snow tires or four?
Tire dealers and some mechanics have a strong opinion on this question, too. But for those of us who would prefer not to spend an extra $250 on two superfluous snow tires, here are the bare facts: front wheel drive cars should at least have both front wheels equipped with snow tires, and likewise, rear wheel drive cars should at least have snow tires on both rear wheels. All wheel drive automobiles, of course, should have four snow tires. It's true that having snow tires on all four wheels, even on front and rear wheel drive cars, provides ideal traction, but having only powered wheels fitted with snow tires will still provide far more traction than regular summer or all-weather tires.
For rear wheel drive owners, remember to throw some weight in the back. Keeping your summer tires or some bricks in the trunk - or bed - will give you an extra boost in traction.
Safe driving!
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